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Saturday, July 24, 2021

Shaw Media • July 2021

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Back to learning: Tips to avoid a heavy load (BPT) - The classroom environment changed tremendously throughout the pandemic, with many children studying at home full- or parttime. This meant additional gear for many, such as tablets and workbooks, while some items like backpacks went unused while studying remotely.

As millions of students head back to the classroom for the start of the 2021/22 school year, backpacks will be a necessity again, and experts have some advice to ensure a safer start to the school year.

“With a focus on getting back in the classroom and returning to ‘normal,’ it’s easy to overlook possible injuries caused by everyday school supplies,” said American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons spokesperson Emily Dodwell, MD, MPH, FAAOS, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

“Backpacks might not seem that high on the list of safety hazards for children, but if too heavy or worn improperly, they can cause pain or injury to muscles and joints. Some potential problems could include wearing the backpack on only one shoulder, or a small child carrying heavy objects like a textbook, tablet or computer.”

As part of its “Prevent Injuries America‚Ñ¢” campaign, the AAOS is spreading the word that backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause numerous problems. Improperly used backpacks may injure or overuse muscles and joints. This can lead to back, neck and

shoulder pain, as well as posture problems. This is especially concerning for students in hybrid learning environments because they may need to carry more items back and forth to school and home throughout the week.

Tips for selecting and using school backpacks Shopping for a backpack is a fun part of preparing to go back to school, but many kids will prioritize fashion over function. Caregivers can help guide children to choose a backpack they like that also benefits their well-being.

AAOS recommends backpacks that are lightweight with a waist or chest strap and two shoulder straps that are wide and padded. Rolling backpacks are a good option as well. If your child resists using a traditional two-strap backpack, a well-structured crossbody bag may be a reasonable compromise.

After you have a well-designed, high-quality backpack, the next step is to use it correctly. To prevent injury when using a backpack, encourage kids to: 1. Always use both shoulder straps when carrying the backpack. The correct use of both of the wide, well-padded shoulder straps will help distribute the weight of the backpack across the back.

2. Ensure the straps are snug to keep the load closer to the back. Backpacks should not be too low and bouncing around while walking.

3. Organize the items inside so that heavier items are low and toward the center of the backpack.

4. Pack light, removing items if the backpack is too heavy. Carry only those items that are required for the day and, if possible, leave unnecessary books at home or school.

5. Lift properly by bending at the knees when picking up a backpack.

What if your child experiences pain?

In addition to helping your student select a good backpack, continue to watch how they use it throughout the school year. If it’s a struggle to put on and take off, you may need to step in.

“If a child complains that his or her bag is too heavy or is hurting his or her back, it is a good idea to lighten the load or consider a wheeled backpack,” said Dodwell.

Whether your child returns to school full time or is on a hybrid schedule, remind them not to carry more than they need at one time. If your student has a locker, encourage them to visit it when time permits throughout the day.

In addition to back pain, watch out for numbness, tingling or discomfort in the arms or legs, symptoms which may also indicate poor backpack fit or too much weight being carried. Don’t ignore any back pain in a child or teenager and reach out to your physician for evaluation. To learn more, visit www.OrthoInfo.org.

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BACK TO SCHOOL | Shaw Media • July 2021

How school shopping has changed in the pandemic era (Metro Creative Connection) - Back-to-school shopping sales have long been indicators that the summer vacation season is coming to a close. Students and their parents may visit area stores or browse online looking for items to make the coming school year a success. Those lists have looked similar for decades, but shopping for school supplies in the pandemic era may prove to be a unique experience.

Though hundreds of millions of adults and adolescents have now been vaccinated against COVID-19, there figures to be some lingering effects of the pandemic during the upcoming school year. That could affect which school supplies families buy in the weeks to come. Here’s a look at some of the latest trends.

• A shift from physical stores: According to data from IBM’s U.S. Retail Index, the pandemic has accelerated a shift away from physical stores to digital shopping by about five years.

It’s likely that school shoppers will turn to the internet for their supplies, which means local brick and mortar shops should increase their web presence and digital shopping capabilities to reach online shoppers. This includes omnichannel fulfillment, such as buy online and pickup in store (BOPIS) options.

• Reassessment of what’s essential: The pandemic may have changed which items consumers consider essential. For example, clothing became less significant as a greater number of students were enrolled in virtual learning.

Back-to-school shoppers may purchase less clothing and focus more on tech items, among others.

• Traditional supplies become less necessary: In 2020, Deloitte forecasted that a shift in preferences and intentions would result in parents buying fewer traditional supplies, such as notebooks and office supplies, as they chose

to invest in digital resources to supplement children’s education. That shift likely will continue into this school year.

• Support for local retailers: Community spirit grew in the early days of the pandemic and continues now. Many people prefer to shop in locally owned stores. Eighty percent of customers surveyed feel more or as connected to their communities, according to the business industry consultant company Accenture.

• Customers are trying new brands and products: Shoppers are trying new products out of curiosity as well as necessity. Back-toschool shopping may include novel brands and other items that may not have been readily purchased in years past.

Back-to-school shopping may continue to look a bit different than in previous years, spawning trends that may ultimately become the new normal.

Shaw Media • July 2021

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How to help students

improve their focus on their studies (Metro Creative Connection) - Teachers strive to create supportive and challenging classroom environments for their students.

Such settings can bring out the best in students and help them overcome obstacles, including an inability to focus.

The struggles students can have with focusing on their studies was apparent during the pandemic. A 2020 survey of more than 400 college students found that 64 percent were concerned about their ability to maintain their focus and discipline in remote instructional environments. Though educators, students and parents are hopeful that remote learning will soon be a thing of the past, no one is certain about what lies ahead in regard to the 2021-22 school year. Ideally, students will be back in school time full-time five days per week by the start of the new academic year.

However, there’s no guarantee that will be the

case, and students may need help focusing on their studies.

• Emphasize one activity at a time. Various studies have shown that multitasking adversely affects performance and makes it hard to concentrate. A recent study from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that performing two or three activities simultaneously puts significantly more demand on the brain than simply doing those tasks one after another. All students, and especially those who are struggling with focus, should be encouraged to take on one task at a time.

• Take breaks. The Cleveland Clinic notes that various studies have found that periodic breaks improve mood, boost performance and increase a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention. Many students are well acquainted with lengthy cramming sessions on

the eve of a big exam, which can feel like a rite of passage for high schoolers and college students. Parents and educators can emphasize the importance of taking breaks during such sessions and how periodic rest can help improve performance.

• Take a piecemeal approach to big tasks. The Child Mind Institute notes that breaking big tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces can help kids effectively tackle more challenging tasks. The piecemeal approach can make big tasks seem less daunting, and the success kids have at each smaller task can provide some needed momentum as they draw closer to solving the problem.

Many students struggle to focus on their studies. Some simple strategies can help students overcome such challenges and fulfill their academic potential.

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BACK TO SCHOOL | Shaw Media • July 2021

When it’s time to call in a tutor

(Metro Creative Connection) - Busy schedules, hybrid learning and demanding coursework have affected students’ academic performance over the last year-plus. The months since a pandemic was declared in March of 2020 have been unlike any other, and confronting the academic challenges of the pandemic may have adversely affected some students’ grades.

A recent report from the Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Research and Strategic Improvement in Virginia found the number of middle and high school students with two or more failing marks increased by 83 percent in the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year compared to the year prior. But students’ grades may slide or they may find certain school work overly challenging even in normal years. Since many parents have not seen a periodic table or had to solve high school math problems in decades, tutors may be just what students need to regain their academic footing.

Failing grades are not necessarily the most notable indicator that students can benefit from the services of a tutor. The Princeton Review says 25 percent of high school students say

homework is their biggest source of stress, and homework progress can help parents determine if it’s time to call in a tutor. Students who find their homework is taking too long, particularly double or triple the amount of time it once required, may need some extra help. Here are some additional indicators that a tutor may be needed.

• Declining test scores: Some students are simply poor test takers, but a gradual or sudden decline in test scores may indicate students are having trouble mastering material. Teachers can pinpoint if certain concepts are overly challenging to students and notify parents if there are any problem areas.

• Poor time management or focus: Students who are struggling may have their attention drift or they put off doing tasks because they don’t grasp the assignments.

• Lack of homework help at home: Parents may have prior commitments during the times of day when their children are doing homework.

Even when parents are home, they may discover that the concepts covered in school are not being taught in the ways parents learned them

and they may have difficulty assisting their children. Tutors can step in and help students when parents cannot.

• Learning disorder: Certain students learn differently from others due to a diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disorder. A child who is struggling with reading, phonics, spelling, and writing may have dyslexia, according to the tutoring experts at Dyslexia Practitioner NJ. Tutors who specialize in learning disorders can assess and address learning conflicts and tailor instructions in ways that can help students overcome those challenges.

• Students “shut down” or say they “hate” school: Disinterest in school or expressions of hating going to school may be indicative of academic struggles in the classroom, says the Princeton Review. Some students get so frustrated they simply give up. Tutors can solve learning puzzles and help get students back on track and reignite their interest in school.

Tutors can be valuable resources for students who need some one-on-one attention to master general learning concepts or reinforce skills for key tests or projects.

Shaw Media • July 2021

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How students can transition

to life on a college campus (Metro Creative Connection) - Much has been made of the challenges that have faced students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to remote learning and shortened school days was difficult for many families, forcing students to adapt to virtual school on the fly as their parents adjusted to working from home full-time while doing their best to keep kids engaged in their studies and occupied when school let out each day. Given those challenges, it’s no wonder so many families are looking forward to what figures to be a more normal school year in 2021-22. But that return will pose its own unique challenges as well.

Some students may be a little anxious as they prepare to return to campus this fall. That transition could be especially difficult for incoming college freshmen, who must overcome any pandemic-related concerns about returning to campus while also making the transition to life on a college campus. The following are some ways to make that transition go smoothly.

• Engage in the community. The Health,

Counseling and Disability Access Services at the University of Missouri-St. Louis urges students to take advantage of opportunities to engage in their new communities as early as possible.

The HCDAS notes that first-year experiences are designed to help students connect with their new life on campus and make new friends. All incoming freshmen are facing the same set of unique circumstances as the 2021-22 school year begins. That includes the adjustment from remote learning with limited social contact with peers to a return to more traditional academic and social settings. Navigating that transition alongside other incoming freshmen can make it a little easier to handle.

• Plan ahead. Parents and their college-bound children can prepare for the coming school year by learning about on-campus policies over the summer. Will masks be mandated? Will classrooms remain socially distanced? Are vaccinations required to attend class in person? The sooner families learn these policies, the sooner they can begin planning for life on campus.

Parents also can look into on-campus resources designed to help students readjust to being back among their peers. Knowing where to go for help should students need it can ensure any issues that arise are addressed promptly.

• Encourage students to share their concerns. Opening up about any concerns they may have can help students as they emerge from the pandemic. Many parents were concerned about returning to the office in person, and they can share those concerns and the ultimate outcomes of their returns with students concerned about moving onto a college campus. Parents are urged to periodically check in with college students about any anxieties they may have about being on campus.

Returning to full-time, in-person learning after the pandemic may be especially challenging for incoming college freshmen. Such students can work with their parents over the summer to conquer their fears and prepare for the coming school year.

(BPT) - Distance learning, hybrid models, social-distanced in-person - school has looked very different over the last year, and this interrupted learning has understandably impacted kids. While some children thrived learning at home, many others struggled staying on top of their learning and have fallen behind.

Cumulative learning loss from the pandemic is still unknown, but experts worry it could be substantial, especially in mathematics. According to research by McKinsey & Company, students on average are likely to lose five to nine months of learning by the end of this school year.

“Between the learning loss from the pandemic and the typical learning loss associated with summer break, many parents are concerned about their children falling behind, now more than ever,” says Shannon O’Reilly, a dedicated teacher of 15 years. “Children can lose up to two months of learning over summer break alone, and that can make it even harder to catch up.”

Fortunately, there are many ways to combat interrupted learning loss and help students stay on track for the upcoming school year in just 15 minutes a day:

kids, read out loud and ask questions to get them thinking deeper about the story. For older kids, both read the same book and then discuss it after each chapter.

Engage in grade-level skill practice Summer Bridge Activities all-in-one workbooks from Carson Dellosa Education are affordable and packed with tons of activities to keep the learning going during the summer and to support learning during the school year. These teacher-recommended workbooks are available in preschool through grade 8. Each book features over 60 days of standards-based activities that can be completed in 15 minutes a day.

Additional activities also help kids set goals and stay mentally and physically active. You can learn more at carsondellosa.com/summer-bridgeactivities.

Explore armchair travel Many museums and other historic places have extended their offerings to include free virtual visits to help encourage learning while people are at home. For example, no passport is needed when you make a virtual visit to the Read together Louvre in Paris at louvre.fr/en/online-tours. The In addition to supporting educational develop- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History ment, reading just 15 minutes a day can have offers virtual tours of current and past exhibits many benefits, including boosting brain connec- at naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour. Google tivity, increasing vocabulary and comprehension, Arts and Culture has numerous opportunities to and reducing stress. Check out books or downlearn about people, art and important places, load e-books from the local library. For younger including virtual tours of the White House.

Embrace math in your world Think about how often you use math in daily life. Now, use these examples as learning opportunities with your children. Select a recipe and cook it together, taking time to explain fractions, measurements and counting. A trip to the corner store can be fun and educational, by counting items in your cart or explaining how tax works at checkout. Even balancing a checkbook or talking about paying bills can be eye-opening and educational.

Try STEAM activities Have fun doing science, technology, engineering, art and math activities together. Who can build the tallest tower out of mini-marshmallows and toothpicks? How about creating tie-dye shirts and learning how primary colors mix to create beautiful new hues? Fill up a pool and play a game of “Sink or Float.” Try growing a container garden of fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Keep track of their growth daily in a garden journal.

“When activities are fun and achievable, kids will only focus on the smiles and won’t even realize the important learning that is happening,” says Shannon. “Whether it’s an engaging workbook or a visit to a museum on the other side of the world, just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your child’s education now and in the future.”

Shaw Media • July 2021

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Shaw Media • July 2021

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